Emergency Bronchoscopy, What it is?

Emergency Bronchoscopy is a surgical procedure that facilitates examination of the airways. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a small tube called a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth. The tip of this tube is lighted, so the doctor can see inside the airways. A rigid bronchoscopy uses a straight, hollow, metal tube and is particularly useful for removing foreign bodies. In addition to the viewing lens, most bronchoscopes have a thin channel inside. That channel can carry water, anesthetic, or very small tools into the airways. It can also be used to obtain small bits of tissue, so they can be tested for cancer or other diseases.

How Emergency Bronchoscopy Done?

A doctor will suggest a bronchoscopy if he or she needs to see inside your airways or remove something from them. Small instruments are passed through the tube to extract blockages, collect sample tissues, or evaluate the nature of any bleeding. Knowing the condition of your airways helps the doctor prescribe the right treatment, so you can start breathing better. The wound heals quickly and does not need stitches. An emergency bronchoscopy, using a flexible bronchoscope, can be safely performed under local anesthesia. Healthcare professionals take the patient straight into the operating room. If possible, the patient should inform doctors about his or her current medication and/or allergies.

Emergency Bronchoscopy: Post-operative Healthcare.

After an emergency bronchoscopy procedure, it is fairly common to suffer from minor coughs, throat irritation, or blood in the phlegm. Take two painkilling tablets every six hours to control any sore throat. These conditions can be treated with time, antibiotics, and painkillers. In addition, some patients may have respiratory or pulmonary complications due to the anesthesia. If any infections or irritations last more than a day or so, it is best to consult the physician for advice. Painkilling tablets should easily control this discomfort. Ask for more if the pain is not well controlled or if it gets worse. A general anesthetic may make you slow, clumsy and forgetful for about 24 hours.